HE majority of the more than 51,000 offensive weapons seized by the police last year, were taken from children and persons who loiter in public spaces, Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Glenmore Hinds disclosed yesterday.

Hinds, speaking at a press conference at the Police Officers' Club in St Andrew, said the astounding figure represents a 33 per cent increase from the 39,000 knives, ice-picks and machetes removed from the streets in 2008.

"This increase is a reflection of the work done mainly by the JCF's school resource officers and police in the geographic divisions," he said.

He could not say, however, the number of children arrested and charged for the offence.

Hinds, in the meantime, said that an increase in police patrols last year proved successful, as several illegal firearms were recovered and wanted persons arrested during the period.

He said the police conducted 256,840 mobile patrols; 49,626 foot patrols; 37,521 motorcycle patrols; and 126,253 spot checks and roadblocks last year.

The efforts, he said, resulted in 32,923 persons -- including 993 who were wanted by the police -- being arrested and charged, the recovery of 671 firearms and 8,430 rounds of ammunition, as well as the recovery of 463 stolen vehicles.

"This came primarily as a result of the intake of 140 new motor cars and pick-ups in the fourth quarter of 2009 and the reorganisation of the Motorised Patrol Division (MPD) and the Traffic Division," he explained.

"Approximately 50 new personnel were added to complement the MPD. As a result, the MPD was able to increase its number approximately from ten patrols per shift to 35 patrols per shift," he added. "This has helped to improve the JCF motorised coverage especially in the Corporate Area."

Hinds said that while the overall statistics show improvement from 2008, several variations will have to be made to some strategies to enhance their effectiveness this year.